By: Scott McLendon

The tassels of this year’s graduating class of Crenshaw Christian Academy has turned a corner and so, too, have the students. The evening was filled with inspirational bible verses, reflection on times passed and hopeful outlooks in the face of change.

After warning potential dress-code violators of prowling teachers, salutatorian Summer Stephens issued a challenge to her classmates.

Stephens spoke of the dedication, hard work and friendships forged in the halls of CCA, but her words aimed to provoke her classmates not to rest on these accomplishments. To further her challenge, she asked that her fellow alumni put their knowledge to good use and continue to expand and grow.

“As we step out into the world, I would like each of you to remember this piece of advice I’ve heard many times here at CCA,” Stephens said. “Remember who you are, and remember whose you are.”

The students of CCA have been well groomed for continuing their education. This is evident to campuses of higher learning based on the offerings the students gathered. In all, the class of 2017 was offered a staggering $1.3 million worth of scholarships to various institutions.

“The third chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there’s a time for just about every matter under the sun,” said Railey Ayers, class valedictorian. “Solomon tell us that in our new journey, which begins tonight, among other things there will be: a time to love and a time to hate, a time to be proud and a time to be humbled, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to rejoice.”

In her address, Ayers recalled inspirational events that have molded this graduating class. The accolades this class received point to success in both academic and athletic arenas.

“Tonight is a time to be humbled,” said Ayers. “As I stand on this stage in such great company, I feel most unworthy to stand up and speak for classmates who have done amazing things such as score 42 points in a basketball game on what should have been one of the hardest days of their lives. Students who have moved school in their last year because they felt God called them to put on our red, white and blue.

“I know we will all be humbled again by the opportunities God throws at us during our journey. I don’t know exactly what our future holds, but I do know who holds our future, and I can assure everyone that our futures are in very good hands.”